On October 16, 2017, scientists announced the first-ever observation of a binary neutron star inspiral and merger—this astronomical event will provide a powerful new way to understand the lives of stars and how they die and join the galactic graveyard.

Vicky Kalogera, CIERA Director and Daniel I. Linzer Distinguished University Professor in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, served as lead astrophysicist on the panel at the National Science Foundationís (NSF) press conference announcing the discovery.

Anticipated by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) for more than 20 years, this merger represents the first joint detection of an astronomical event using two astronomical observing techniques: gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation. Together these approaches are known as "multi-messenger astronomy". Gravitational waves were the subject of 2017's Nobel Prize in Physics, and multi-messenger astronomy was named one of the NSF's 10 Big Ideas for future scientific investment. Northwestern played a singularly unique role with scientific leadership in both sides of this cutting-edge discovery.

About the Event
Join Professors Kalogera, Larson, Margutti and Fong for a moderated panel discussion, as they describe their roles and experiences in the making of this ground-breaking discovery. These exceptional researchers will also explain what these new findings mean for humanity's understanding of the universe, and the dawn of a new age of astronomy.

Panel discussion is free and open to the public.

No registration or ticket required.

Doors will open at 6:15pm.

Room is wheelchair accessible.

Note: campus parking structures and lots are free for public use after 4pm.